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Brilliant BENSON !

Photographs of the 99th Reunion taken by Geoff Dryland and Keith Saunders are at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53681045@N07/sets/72157670395485451/

Photographs of previous Reunions are at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53681045@N07/collections/72157633984549324/

Press Ctrl click to go there. Please add titles, comments tags as you wish.

Dinner: The following members took dinner: Andy ADAMS David ADAMS Dick ARSCOTT John AUSTIN Dougie BARR

John BARTRAM David BENNETT Jeff BETHRAY John BOYD Dave BRAY

Chris CARRINGTON Keith CHAPMAN Andy CLARK David CRWYS- WILLIAMS

Geoff DRYLAND Dick EASTMENT Jim GATHERER Ian LASCHKE Graham LAURIE

Derek LIDDELL Tim LILES Derek LONG Tony MALLETT Eric MARSH

Ian MASON Brian MEINKE Adrian OBERTELLI Denny O'BRIEN Bob RICHARDSON

Jeff SAUNDERS Keith SAUNDERS Colin SCARTH Chris SIERWALD Paul SNOOK

Tony STEPHENS Jim TAYLOR Ken TEAL Mike TOM Dick WARD

Des WHITE Russell WILSON Keith WILSON

The Newsletter of No 46 Squadron RFC and RAF

Issue No 21 July 2016

Issue No 13 August 2008

Daily Telegraph.

Monday 6 June 2016

Our first time at RAF Benson turned out to be a resounding success.

Everything went perfectly with fantastic service from the RAF chefs and

stewards. The quality of the food at Reunions rarely gets a mention but

this year it was of near Michelin star standard. I have never had so much

positive feedback. So I am delighted to announce that we will be holding

the 100th Reunion in the Officers’ Mess RAF Benson on Saturday the

3rd of June 2017. Demand for the 120 available seats will be high so

please read the piece at the end of this Newsletter setting out next year’s

arrangements and please action accordingly.

Service Dinner

No 46 Squadron RFC

and RAF

Air Vice-Marshal David

Crwys-Williams presided at

the 99th consecutive

reunion dinner of No 46

Squadron RFC and RAF

held in the Officers’ Mess,

RAF Benson, on Saturday.

Wg Cdr Tony Mallett

proposed the health of the

Squadron.

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The following guests took dinner:

Bob Tee Guest of David BENNETT

Bruce Gatherer Guest of Jim GATHERER

Ian Salvage Tom Swinscoe Guest of Eric MARSH

Andrew Birrell Guest of Adrian OBERTELLI

Chris Saunders Marcus Saunders Guest of Keith SAUNDERS

Geoff Walker Guest of Tony STEPHENS

Andrew Ashton Guest of Des WHITE

Jamie Wilson Tim Wilson Guest of Russell WILSON

Paul Blackford Guest of Dougie BARR

Supper:

The following Ladies took supper:

Mavis Hopkins Nancy Eldridge Sylvia Teal Caroline Wilson

Aileen Meinke Sophie Wilson Amy Williams

Benefactors:

The following members kindly made donations:

Andy ADAMS David ADAMS Chris ALCOCK Dick ARSCOTT Dougie BARR

John BARTRAM David BENNETT Jeff BETHRAY John BOYD John BRANSBURY

Dave BRAY Chris CARRINGTON David CARTER Tim CARTER Keith CHAPMAN

Andy CLARK Dennis CONSTABLE Peter CROUCH John DANIELS Steve DAY

Ian DOW Dave DRAKE Bob EVANS Vic FAULKNER Steve GARVIN

Don GRAHAM Frank HUDDLESTON John KANE Mike KEMP Eric KING

George KIRK Graham LAURIE Derek LIDDELL Derek LONG Tony MALLETT

Eric MARSH Don MASON Ian MASON Brian MEINKE Brian MERRITT

Peter MILES Paul MINDNER Kenneth NICHOLS Adrian OBERTELLI

Denny O'BRIEN Alan PARKER Stuart PRIEST Bob RICHARDSON Les ROCKEL

Jeff SAUNDERS Keith SAUNDERS John SCAMBLER Mac SIBBALD Chris SIERWALD Des SKINNER Paul SNOOK Freddie SOWREY Rusty STEELE-MORGAN

Ken TEAL Mike TOM Bill TURNBULL Roger UNWIN Jim WHITE

Des WHITE Keith WILSON Jennie SEDDON

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Regrets:

The following members were unable to attend:

Chris ALCOCK John BRANSBURY Tim CARTER David CARTER Dennis CONSTABLE

Peter CROUCH John DANIELS Steve DAY Ian DOW Dave DRAKE

Bob EVANS Vic FAULKNER Steve GARVIN Don GRAHAM Frank HUDDLESTON

John KANE Mike KEMP Eric KING George KIRK Don MASON

Brian MERRITT Peter MILES Paul MINDNER Kenneth NICHOLS Paul OSBORN

Alan PARKER Bob PETERS John PLUMLEY Stuart PRIEST Les ROCKEL

John SCAMBLER Des SKINNER Freddie SOWREY Pat THOMAS Bill TURNBULL

Roger UNWIN Pete WALLINGTON Jim WHITE

Obituaries:

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of:

Terry ROURKE 69-73 Andover Brian SANFORD ? Andover Colin STEVENS 67-69 Andover

Steve STEVENSON 74/75 Andover Roger COCKSEDGE ? Andover

Tony WARNER 56-59 Javelin

Dai Bennett’s Absent Friends Eulogy Roger Cocksedge Sadly, we seem to have missed news of Roger’s demise which we understand occurred in November 2012. Roger served on 46 and 84 Andover Squadrons, After leaving 46 Squadron in 1975 Roger went on to serve with SOAF as an Ops officer for some 15 years in Oman and later became a taxi driver, but we have little detail of his life after that. Brian Sandford. Brian joined the RAF via 87 Entry at Cranwell and served on 84 Sqn Beverlys in Aden, followed by a tour on a Comm Sqn – probably 207 Sqn where he flew Devon and Basset. He then flew as a Chipmunk QFI which we suspect was with Northumbria UAS before joining 46 Sqn at Thorney Island. At some point he served as an ADC at 18 Gp. Brian took redundancy just as the oil crisis struck and went into the wine business but after 5 years joined civilian airlines initially with, and later with Trans-Meridian, Span, Air Atlanta. Eventually flew with Air2000 before retiring for the first time at 60. Then the rules changed and he managed another 5 years with DHL. He did not come to Reunions but late last year contacted Dougie for a Squadron tie and promised to attend this year. Tragically, he died suddenly at the age of 72 at the beginning of May this year. Terry Rourke It is 46 years since I rejoined 46 Sqn from a tour in the Far East on 52 Squadron. On arrival

at, what was to me, the new Sqn headquarters on the NE side of Abingdon airfield, I stumbled into a hotbed of activity where I met for the first time a lively individual of relatively small stature whose personality seemed to infect all those who came into contact with him. He tried to sell me a stake in some venture whereby one could make a vast profit from selling ‘Sparkle’, a new wonder cleaner, which Terry was using to clean the Sqn headquarters – It must have been a clean-up for an AOC’s inspection or something of the like. The young Sqn Ldr OC of No 46 Sqn, one David Crwys-Williams was struggling to cope with his squadron having become a repository for a whole series of lively and colourful characters amongst whom Terry Rourke was one of the most characterful. Terry kept up his lively ebullient character to the end and was a regular attendee at these Reunions. Who will ever forget the occasion at the RAF Club where Rourke stood to ‘take wine with all those wearing a policeman’s helmet’. Terry had acquired the helmet at the club’s reception desk where John Boyd was narrowly escaping a police caution for parking his Irish registered Scimitar GTE on double

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yellow lines and the pavement at the height of the Irish Troubles of the 70’s. Terry lifted the policeman’s helmet whilst the policeman’s back was turned and immediately put it to good use in the club dining room. Terry was notorious for his escapades and he must have been the bane of the lives of his various Sqn and Flt Cdrs who would have had a whole dictionary of adjectives to be used in their Annual Confidential Reports/F1369 but perhaps the most apt for Terry would have been the word ‘irrepressible’. He went on to serve on 84 Sqn in Sharjah and Bahrain and later on one of the Britannia squadrons, before leaving the RAF to work at SITA the flight information organisation. It might reasonably be said that Terry enjoyed a drink and a cigarette and it is sad to record that his absence at last year’s Reunion, the first absence for many years, was the harbinger of his death which occurred shortly afterwards. Terry will be fondly remembered by many of those of us who knew him the Tony Warner pilot Javelins 56-59.Sir Freddie says Tony was an excellent pilot and one of those chaps who would happily take on any task he was given. Described as relaxed and really good fun. Whilst on the Squadron, Tony won the annual Wilkinson Sword for Escape and Evasion in Germany. Colin Stephens - sorry no details. Steve Stevenson. Alan George Stevenson but known to the rest of us as Steve, served with No 46 Sqn in

the 70’s at Thorney Island and on detachment in Masirah. Steve initially served in the RAF as a National Serviceman and then went on to become an Air Traffic Controller before re joining the RAF in the early 1960’s as a Navigator. He then went on to serve for 32 years, finally after the disbandment of No 46 Sqn in 1975 Steve went on to fly with 33 Sqn helicopters at RAF Odiham. Ever cheerful, and vocal, Steve was often the life and soul of a party and became close friends with Terry Rourke. It is sad to record that their deaths were so close together. Steve’s wife Catherine contacted Dougie as she knew that Steve greatly enjoyed attending the reunions and that he regularly made a donation to the Association funds. The family felt that he would have liked them to make a donation to boost the drinks kitty for those attending, or help to pay for someone who is a bit hard up to attend. All they asked in return was for a glass to be raised and a toast to be drunk in his memory at the next reunion. Steve’s wife Cathy sends her best wishes to everyone attending the reunion and hopes that you would all have a very enjoyable night. I’m sure Dougie will send a note in response, probably with a suitably inscribed menu card indicating that we have carried out her wishes and enjoyed the contribution. Again, we will miss Steve, and regret that he was unable to stay around long enough for the 100th. Master Navigator Tony Melton A squadron member from the Meteor and Javelin era. Tony died aged 91

on Nov 30 2015. He joined the RAF qualifying as a Navigator just before the end of WWII. Having left the RAF briefly at the end of the war he rejoined in 1947 and flew served on night fighters in the UK, Egypt Malta and Cyprus. His particular favourite aircraft was the Mosquito but later flew Meteors and Javelin. His Daily Telegraph obituary in December told of how he ejected from a Javelin over the East Pakistan jungle on ferry flight from East Anglia to Singapore in 1961. Tony lost his survival pack during his descent into the tall trees, from which he had to cut himself free. His pilot was killed. After 3 days alone surviving in thick jungle, a Singapore based Shackleton tracked him through his Locator Beacon, and dropped a survival pack to him. He was subsequently rescued from a larger river by an ex-RAF civilian pilot flying a Grumman Goose. He became an instructor at the Combat Survival and Rescue School at Mountbatten, then joined 152 Sqn Twin Pioneers in the Persian Gulf. In July 1971 he joined the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter force for a further 11 years , being awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air before retiring at 60 as the oldest RAF aircrew member flying on a front line squadron. He retired to Kent where he became the un-elected leader of a group of elderly reprobates offering free advice to players of the Sandwich Cricket Club Perhaps, as a final note, We should also remember on this weekend those members of the Squadron who lost their lives on board HMS Glorious on 8th June, 76 years ago. This weekend the GLARAC Association (Glorious, Acasta and Ardent) remember the event in their reunion in Plymouth. Therefore, I would ask you all to rise and drink a toast to ‘ ABSENT FRIENDS’

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Members report:

Andy ADAMS Andy says Steve Stevenson had a great send off.

Chris ALCOCK Chris writes that if he did a line check on his driving he would probably fail, so the mad dash to the south is not for him anymore, although at 82 he frightens people by still riding a motor bike. He intends to make it next year come hell or high heaven particularly if the reunion is at Odiham, where in 1964, he trained on the Twin Pin.

John BARTRAM John is still living near Keevil DZ and the Westbury White Horse. Proud grandparents

to little Lucas. Keeping busy as a Parish Councillor and volunteering; Judy plays lots of tennis and badminton.

David BENNETT Dai is now fully retired and meandering about Europe in the motorhome rather than in

an Andover as he used to do.

David CARTER David is still going strong, but unable to attend this year's Reunion as he will be abroad. He will argue hard to attend the 100th.

Andy CLARK Andy becomes an OAP this year! At least he will qualify for a concessionary season ticket at Gloucester Rugby - they weren't worth full price this season!

George KIRK George is unable to attend as family affairs are intruding - Grandson is getting married.

Dennis CONSTABLE Dennis sends warmest wishes to all and hopes to meet for the 100th.

Steve ROBSON Steve writes: Busy down here in Bournemouth giving talks to aviation groups and progressing plans for a memorial to Charles Rolls (of Rolls-Royce) and the first International Aviation Meeting held in Great Britain. On committees for aviation interest groups and involved in voluntary work at the local Aviation museum, local hospital and Remap, an organisation that uses retired engineers to modify equipment for people with mobility problems. If the sun shines and the tide is ok then I go sailing and I might finish refurbishing the house within the the next 10 years but anyway next year I will be at the 100th.

Peter CROUCH Peter sends best wishes to all.

David CRWYS- WILLIAMS David is still travelling a good deal: Morocco, USA, Bahamas, Cuba and India this year - and still upright most of the time!

John DANIELS John and Marion were coming but had to withdraw because of John's ill health.

Steve DAY Steve was unable to attend but yet again made an extremely generous donation to our drinking fund!

Ian DOW Ian was coming but got struck down with a nasty virus.

Don GRAHAM Don is having a hip replacement April 2016 and doubts he will be fit enough to travel. Hopefully see you all next year.

Mike KEMP Mike writes: Mike's forced departure from a Meteor 14 nightfighter on 25 Jan 55 will be

one of the stories in "Meteor Boys" by Dr Steve Bond to launched at Duxford in September.

Tim LILES Tim writes - Same old, Same old! Mountains climbed each year get steeper, so fewer

climbed. Chuffed with winning an Association croquet trophy last season. If in Devon, do call in at Budleigh Salterton. Cheerio!!

Tony MALLETT Tony has just had a knee replacement, otherwise straight and level on full power. Life continues as usual with Fiona and I enjoying visits to France and the occasional little ship cruise.

Don MASON Don hopes to make the 100th if able.

Brian MERRITT Brian hopes, God willing, both Roz and he will make the 100th.

Peter MILES Peter is supporting Gwen at her College Reunion in June so is unable to attend this year but we will be there for the 100th. Apart from Anno Domini catching up with us, both Gwen and I are well - at the moment.

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Paul MINDNER Paul sends regards and best wishes to all present and absent members.

Kenneth NICHOLS Kenneth would be only too pleased to hear from his contemporises if there are any

out there, now that Colin Gower has left us.

Alan PARKER Alan is sorry to inform you that he has been visited by the Big C. He has a tumour just

above the entrance to the stomach. Fortunately he is no longer fed by tube as radio and chemotherapy seem to be shrinking its size, but he has still managed to lose 50lbs. Docs are very good here at the University Hospital, Ioannia on the mainland, so keeping fingers crossed for the 100th. Sadly we have learned that Noddy passed away just 3 days after the Reunion.

Tim CARTER Tim writes - the Doctor tells me I have heart condition so can't attend this year. Will

hope to attend the100th.

John SCAMBLER John is recovering from a heart condition and has been told to take things easy. He

did not feel up to attending the Dinner but he and Edit were able to come to the Reception to see everybody.”

Des SKINNER Des plans to make the100th he has already bought his ticket. He is expecting Roger

Unwin to turn up at his place in NSW sometime in late May but says Roger's ETAs are notoriously unreliable!

Freddie SOWREY Sir Freddie writes - A new book on the Javelin has just been published by Pen and

Sword. Written by Michael Napier (Hawks and Tornado) it draws on the experience of both air and ground crews. Thanks to Dougie, 46 is well represented and I have provided the Foreword. (Copy was available at the Reunion)

Rusty STEELE-MORGAN Rusty was coming but in the end did not feel up to the long journey from darkest

South Wales. However, like so many others he is determined to make the 100th.

Bill TURNBULL Stuart (son) writes - Bill is rather fed up and doesn’t want to leave the house nowadays! He struggles about the place but still enjoys a glass of red each evening. He sends a donation to the fund together with his best wishes.

Pete WALLINGTON Unfortunately, Pete fell recently and broke his hip resulting in surgery

for a hip replacement and his recovery has not been as quick as he had hoped. He is determined to attend the hundredth.

Jim WHITE Jim is sorry not to attend this year's reunion but is looking forward to seeing you all at

the 100th.

Russell WILSON Russ is almost back to fitness - no more wheelchairs or zimmers. He continues to work in his health care company (Royal Bay Care Homes Ltd)

John KANE John writes both he and Anita have finally retired to Bournemouth-by-the-Sea. Sorry they can't make it this year as we are on holiday - but will be there for the 100th.

Steve GARVIN Steve writes he is unable to make it this year as retirement is far busier than they ever imagined. They have sent a case of bubbles and ask that you raise a glass to dear old Terry Rourke on their behalf.

Brian MEINKE Brian did his last flight for Britannia/Thomson PDG-AAN in 2009. He now occasionally flies light aircraft at Fairoaks.

Chas MORGAN Muriel writes that Chas has been suffering from Dementia for the past 8 years. He now no longer recognises family or friends and is living in a care home in Malmsbury. She sent her best wishes to everybody and particularly those who knew Chas when he was well.

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Booking Arrangements: 100th Reunion in the Officers’ Mess RAF Benson on Saturday 3 June 2017.

PLEASE READ AND ACTION THIS NOW!

OC RAF Benson has kindly agreed that we can return there next year for the 100th of 46 and David C-W, David Adams and I have started to plan the arrangements after consulting Sir Fred. We might be tight on numbers. The Mess can seat 120 for Dinner which is roughly the number of Members I have on the database. I am certain that not all of these can or will be able to attend, but we must ensure that we do not turn away any eligible Member who may not be on my list and who might not learn about the Reunion until after we have publicised the occasion in the RAF News, Air Mail etc. This means that although we will have some places for guests, there may not be enough for all those you would wish to invite and we may not be able to confirm an allocation until early next year. Therefore, I need to gain some idea now of the number of Members who will attend before allocating any places to guests. However, we are conscious that some guests have been loyal and supportive attendees over many years and, if we can, we will give these guests priority once Members have been allocated places. So please help us by completing the form below as soon as you can and before 1 Dec 16 indicating if you can or cannot attend or if you are uncertain; tell me how many guests you might want to invite if space is available (up to a maximum of 2). This limit may have to be reduced to one guest if there is an overwhelming demand. Please note that (a) if I do not hear at all from you by 1 December, I will have to assume you will not be attending and (b) that we may have to impose a firm deadline for final confirmation of a Member's attendance after which we will close the list. Please complete the form below and post it to me at: Mr D M Barr Orchard House Cuxham WATLINGTON OX495NH. OR preferably reply to the email that I will be sending out a few days after dispatch of Cheeeeriooo. I do not anticipate any problems with numbers for the Ladies Supper with the usual restriction to a maximum of 2 guests. Do remember that there will be a Champagne Reception with canapés at 18:30 to which everyone is invited even if they are not dining. The Call to Arms will be sent as normal in mid-January. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. From: *Tick or delete as appropriate. I definitely wish to attend the historic 100th consecutive Reunion.

If possible, I would like to invite 1/ 2 guests

I think my 1 / 2 guests are in the “loyal regular attender” category

I am still not sure I can make it but will let you know by 1 December 2016.

Sorry but I know I will not be able to attend but please send me the Call to Arms anyway.

My Lady will attend with 1 / 2 guests

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